About time for Giveaways!!!!

Okay, the time has arrived, and its time to celebrate. Celebrate what? Me reaching 50+ followers on Google and reaching 100+ followers on Twitter. I know I promised to do this giveaway like 8 years ago (wait... its only been 22 days... jeez... stress ages you really fast) but I hope it was worth the wait.
Any who... I have decided that I will do this giveaway in 2 tiers... Because I have many followers who are not plus size, I would also have something for my smaller readers as well. And since I am about fashion and makeup, I think I am going about this the right way...

1st Tier:
I am giving away a new CAR!!! HAHAHAHA!!! Kidding!!!
I am giving away a $50 Torrid Giftcard

Here are the rules for the Torrid Giftcard:
1. You must be a follower of this blog (meaning I should see your face or icon in the google friend connect box to the right). In the comments section please provide an email address I can reach you with if you are the winner.
2. If you would like an additional entry, you must be a follower of mine on Twitter. Also in your comment list your twitter name. Then tweet the following: @DeepQueenDiva is having a giveaway for a $50 Torrid Giftcard. I entered, you should too!
3. For another entry in this giveaway, you must become a fan of Diva in Deep Thought on FaceBook.
4. For an additional entry, you can follow my blog on NetworkedBlogs, also through FaceBook.

Extra Credit Entry: If you link to my giveaway on your blog... that will allow you another entry in this giveaway.

In one comment... list all the entries you applied for, and how I can identify you.


2nd Tier:
I am giving away a $25 Sephora eGiftcard

Here are the rules for the Sephora eGiftcard:
1. You must be a follower of this blog (meaning I should see your face or icon in the google friend connect box to the right). In the comments section please provide an email address I can reach you with if you are the winner.
2. If you would like an additional entry, you must be a follower of mine on Twitter. Also in your comment list your twitter name. Then tweet the following: @DeepQueenDiva is having a giveaway for a $25 Sephora Giftcard. I entered, you should too!
3. You must subscribe to my Examiner articles HERE (in your comment please list the email address you used to subscribe).
Extra Credit Entry: If you link to my giveaway on your blog... that will allow you another entry in this giveaway.

In one comment... list all the entries you applied for, and how I can identify you.

You can only apply for one or the other. NOT BOTH.
I figured this was the only way to keep it fair. Good Luck... and I can't wait to see who wins. Ends May 6th @ Midnight EST

~besitos~
QueenDiva

DOTD: Got it together!!!

So first I want to take a moment to thank everyone for helping to get the hell over it. Yes, pretty soon I will no longer work at the one job I completely LOVED with all my soul. But that doesn't change the fact that I still have a wonderful family and friends and followers (who I also consider friends). This morning I woke up with such a good happy heart that I knew it had to be because of all the support I am getting here from you all and from my family (seriously my hubby... he is just... amazing).

So, can you see it on my face... is it apparent in the pics below how good I feel today. Yes, I am rocking a mini skirt to work... BUT I DON'T GIVE A HOOT!!!

So... expect me to be a little more on my game... No matter what life throws at me... I am ready and I know it will all work out. **GIANT SMILE**

Now on to the outfit... let me know what you think... I added a hint of teal eyeshadow and a teal necklace for pop of color.Your thoughts?

Outfit Breakdown:
Top: Wal-Mart
Skirt: Fatshionista Sale Post (Lane Bryant)
Tights: Wal-Mart
Boots: Aerosoles
Bracelets: Torrid
Necklace: Gift (Target?)
Earrings: Beauty Supply Store
**sidenote: I seriously need to stay out of Wal-Mart... goodness**

~besitos~

OOTD: Almost but not quite...

I can honestly say I don't HATE my outfit today. And I don't HATE my makeup. Its that I know that behind this outfit and this makeup is a heart that just wasn't a 100% into the task at hand. I do know that I want to make it my mission to begin collecting blazers and jackets I can throw on days like today when it is like 50 degrees when I leave my house in the morning. Seriously... it is April, right?

However, I do invite your constructive criticism... I will say this... No matter what... I wouldn't have worn a belt with this outfit simply because I don't try to mimic the same style so closely together. And since I wore a wide belt yesterday that wouldn't be on point today. All I could say is in my opinion... this would have looked better if my shirt were actually a blazer *sighs* and if my heart wasn't crushing from the weight of it all.

I seriously hope I don't lose my readers because of my lack of enthusiasm. I will get it together... its just I'm strong... but I was not prepared for this and it makes it harder to fight when you've been ambushed.

Outfit Breakdown:
Top: Curve Appeal Consignments
Tank: WalMart
Jeans: WalMart (Rider)
Shoes: Steve Madden (Off Broadway)
Necklace: Burlington Coat factory
Earrings: Beauty Supply

Here are my shoes... i think they're cute :)

~besitos~

Supporting My Divas: Just Loving These Blogs

So because I've been wallowing in my own self pity... I haven't had the time or the energy to bring love to other deserving bloggers. How Dare I?!!! Well, today I am going to make up for it by bringing to you some really nice ones... some I've only just found myself... others... are just wonderful in everyway and really deserve a moment in the spotlight. Check these out and please... pretty please with cherries on top (and don't forget the whip cream)... follow them and give them some love.

Cesilia from Style Remix is what I want to be when I grow up. She is a blazer/stiletto wearing sun of a gun. I am telling you that I am seriously contemplating hopping in my car... driving to New Jersery and seriously waiting until no one is home and clearing out her closet (including shoes). Cesi... if you are EVER missing your entire closet... might as well point the cops in my direction...

Ashley Fierce from Everyday is my Runway is just that... Fierce. I found her blog when she was on hiatus from blogging but I stayed entertained by reading her previous posts and looking at her awesome pictures. This is what I dream every curvy women was like. Super confident and just loving themselves... and making it WORK. She is not all about plus size... she is simply about fashion... and for that... I respect her so much...

Gabi from Hungry for Fashion is just... AMAZING... I love her style and her just general existence. She has no clue I'm stalking her... But I am... it started slow... but now its full on creepy. She like wins EVERYTHING... and she seems so sweet so I have no doubt she deserves it. I don't think she reads my blog... but it doesn't matter... she is just so cute and her outfits make me want to be her copy cat. Seriously!! Now the best thiing about Gabi is that she can make casual look SUPER Trendy... I make casual... look bummy... see her talent? Exactly!!! Love her as I do!!!

Bloomie from 30 Dresses in 30 Days is a new find that I feel really badly about. Because apparently I am the last to know anything. She's been around since 2007... okay people... you are going to have to start emailing me about some of these awesome bloggers. Let's stop self promoting!!! Okay... back to Bloomie. I love her dresses and other things. But I love love love her creativity. I especially love her risk with color. Not to mention her smile is so gorgeous... But her closet must be ENORMOUS with all those dresses...

Candace from Dollface Style Scoop is my Diva twin. I found her in January of this year and realized that I loved her. Her makeup is FLAWLESS and I just think that her Diva-ness is fabulous in every. I want more pictures of her on her blog. She should be seen alot. LOVE HER!!! Not to mention she lives close to another Diva that I also adore... which is...

Stiletto Siren from Lip, Hips & Fatshion Tips is my new bestie.  If you haven't checked her out... your lame and need to be punished... just kidding. But I have no doubt that if you just swing by her page and check her out... you will become an INSTANT fan. I love that she became a fan, then a friend, and now I couldn't imagine what life would be like had we not connected. Also, this chick is a writer, I am serious... her written word will drive you to as she tells you. She is seriously gifted... in multiple ways

Kae from For Fatshions Sake is a today find. I found her today. Loved her today... so she is included in this round of Divas because I wanted to bring some serious contenders for you all to enjoy. One thing I have to admit. Is that I am seriously jealous of her ability to wear such super cute flats. Now that my ankle is worse... I could not do what she does if I wanted to. Not to mention... how can I not love someone who obviously has a love for cardigans as I do...

NubianQueen89 from A Day in the life of a Rugby Loving College Diva is giving me a run for my money. Her poses have mine beat. Her outfits... beat mine all the way. I think my Diva-ness may be revoked. I think if I ever have to step down from being QueenDiva... I will pass my reigns over to NubianQueen... as she is everything I wish I was when I was her age. Her confidence is off the rictor scale. So if you like me... you should LOVE her!!!

And now for my feature blog... I am featuring her more so because her title is speaking to me during these days of my Spending Freeze.
Literal Gemini from Stop You're Broke is the ish... period. And to boot... just found out she is in DC. I think I should have known that... but I suck and we all know this. But back to her... she takes risks and at the same time she's safe. I know it makes no sense... but I love what she's doing over there... and the title is perfect for me. I should stop... cause I am broke... but the fashion can't be stopped by my bank account balance. Also she is a fellow thrifter... and who doesn't love that!!!

So I hope I've redeemed your faith in me as I do want to continue to support these ladies...Let me know if you like the choices this week. If you have some I keep missing... hit me up so that I can get them up here!!!

~besitos~

DOTDs: So very picture heavy!!!

Okay... so since Thursday of last week. I have been feeling like crap because this job thing is starting to make me seriously depressed. Hubby is trying to keep me from completely snapping... and he knows that fashion is the way to do that. So he recommends colors and pieces he wants me to work around (I've pointed out where he helped below). So here is some pictures from the last few days... there were other cute outfits that were not photographed... and then there was one HORRIBLE outfit yesterday which will NEVER be spoken of again...


Thursday Outfit Breakdown:
White Tank: Walmart
Yellow Top: Torrid
Skinny Jeans: Torrid <--- Picked by hubby
Shoes: Label?? (Off Broadway Shoes)
Earrings: Walmart
Necklace: Flea Market
Bracelet: Dots
Sunglasses: Target (my coach sunglasses broke... still crying over that)

**Please overt your eyes from my muffin tops sticking out in these photos**

Friday Outfit Breakdown:
*wore this outfit until the heat almost killed me... changed into a purple tube dress that I didn't photograph*
Black Tank: Walmart
Purple Cardigan: Newport News
TieDye Leggings: Torrid
Shoes: Torrid <--- Picked by hubby
Earrings: Beauty Supply Store
Sunglasses: Target

Todays Outfit Breakdown:
Taupe Cardigan: Curve Appeal Consignment (Torrid) <--- Picked by hubby
Taupe Shirt: Curve Appeal Consignment
Black Shirt: No clue
Belt: Torrid
Skinny Jeans: Torrid
Shoes: M.P.S. (Off Broadway Shoes)
Earrings: Beauty Supply Store

 So there it is in a nutshell... a lot of clothes in a flash... Opinions? You know how much I love HONEST opinions. If there is something you would wear differently... I want to hear  how you really feel...

~besitos~

Diva Spotlight: Diva Sarah MOTD

OMG!!! How excited that someone likes my idea... okay... enough about me.
So my VERY FIRST Diva Spotlight... goes to Sarah from Pale and Pallor Princess. I've mentioned before how much I love her face, so it is fitting that I am spotlighting her makeup. I love how specific she is about her makeup... that is what is needed as maybe someone may want to try the look. With clothing you don't necessary need to be. I hope you enjoy this and will send some pics of you as well...

**Shining the Spotlight**

How to get her look:
To enhance my pallor skin I use Rimmel Lasting finish foundation, my shade is Ivory. My rule of thumb when choosing a shade is to look for the palest shade they have, 9 times out of 10, that's my colour.
To set the foundation and keep the shine at bay I use Cover Girl Trublend pressed powder in fair.
If I don't wear blush I look dead and scare small children, so I give myself a rosy glow with Cover Girl Cheekers blush in Plumberry glow. It has a pretty shimmer to it that I love. For years the only blush I wore was MAC Springsheen, but one time I ran out and was low on cash, so tried the Cover Girl one and was thrilled to discover that it's almost as good.
To give myself a 'are you knocked up or something? you look all pretty and glowy' sheen I use Body Shop radiant highlighter, and place it at the top of my cheekbones.
For my lips I use Joe Fresh lip stain in watermelon (Joe Fresh is a Canadian brand sold at grocery stores, for an alternative Cover Girl has some very similar). I use the stain under lipstick quite often, it really stays put. Over top I use Lancome Le Laque Fever in Raze Red. It's a really vibrant colour that I love, my only complaint is that I often manage to get it all over my teeth.
For my eyes I use L'Oreal H.I.P. eyeshadow in Riotous. They sell a whole bunch of these eyeshadows in a rainbow of colours. This one is a Peridot Green which I use on my eyelid and a kind of Jungle Green which I use in the crease. I use a Quo eyeliner underneath my eye in a colour called Lynda and use Quo black liquid liner on top and flick out the ends for a slight cats-eye look. My Mascara is L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion (always in Blackest Black)
lol, sounds like a lot of work, but I'm usually done my makeup in about 10 minutes.

~besitos~

QueenDiva Fashion Makeovers!!!

Who doesn't love a makeover, hm?

I've been on the hunt for ways to expand my blog, to take things up to the next level, and I've asked friends for suggestions.  My loving friend Dani (Diva Dani) came up with an excellent idea that I hope will not only excite my blog readers but will also help kick off a new side business for myself.   I've been on the edge of my seat all day and can't wait to share it with you.  I hope you're as excited about it as I am!

To kick off Queen Diva Makeovers, I'll need some volunteers, please!   If you'd like to participate I'll need the following from you:

1. 
   
   Your 3x3 Photo Package:
   1. 3 Body Shots (1 each from the front/back/side) – Current photos of you, taken while wearing as little clothing as possible - tank and leggings recommended!  Make sure your photos are well-lit, in focus, and full body.  If you do not want me to include these shots with your makeover post, include an additional photo that you'd be happy with me sharing.
   2. 3 Clothing Shots – Choose your three favorite clothing items and send me a photo of you wearing those items.  You can wear them together, separate, or if they don't fit, just get a shot of them lying flat on a bed/floor.
   3. 3 Goal Shots – Three photos that embrace a style or even a specific outfit you want to work toward.
2. 
   
   Your Questionnaire:
   1. Your name:
   2. 
      
      Clothing Sizes:
      1. Shirt:
      2. Pants: (if you need tall or petite, please note it here)
      3. Dresses:
      4. Jackets:
      5. Shoes:
      6. Bra: (this is important in the event that a specific bra is needed to enhance the look – I will try to help you find the appropriate undergarment!)
   3. How would you define your body shape? click here
   1. Pear: Torso and upper body smaller than your hips -- with waist definition
   2. Inverted triangle: Torso and upper body wider than your ships -- with little waist definition
   3. Rectangle: Torso and upper body are the same width as your hips -- little waist definition
   4. Hourglass: Torso and hips are approximately the same width -- with waist definition
   5. 
      
      Apple: Torso and upper body wider than your hips -- with little or no waist definition. You might have weight surrounding your waist.
   4. What do you consider your problem areas?  What do you want to play up?
   5. What are your favorite colors?  What colors do you refuse to wear, and why?
   6. Do you wear skirts and/or dresses?  If so, how often?  How short are you willing to wear your skirts – above the knee, knee length, below the knee or ankle length?
   7. Do you wear heels, flats, or both?  If you wear heels, how high are you comfortable with?
   8. How would you describe your current style?
   9. How would you describe the style you're going for with this makeover outfit?  Classic, Sexy, Vintage, Edgy, Professional, etc.?
   10. What is your ideal budget for your makeover outfit?  Note: Please try to be realistic.  I am a bargain hunter and will do my best to find budget-friendly items for you!

Once I have this information from you, I will put together an outfit that I think will highlight all of your best features and spruce up your style at the same time.  I'll find the pieces online and if you decide you'd like to buy them (or similar), I'd love it if you could send an After photo my way!  This is your chance to better fit your clothes to your body or to just embrace a trend that you love but have been shying away from.

Eventually I would like to make a similar offer with make-up makeovers, but haven't sorted out all of the details quite yet.  I'm thinking of finding colors that I believe would work well for you as well as YouTube videos to help master a technique, but it's all a work in progress for now.  I'll keep you posted!

remember my email is: yramirez.diva@gmail.com

~besitos~

Diva Spotlight Project

So I am working on two new ideas for my blog. This is numero uno!!!

I would like to spotlight everyone's different fashion style and tastes. I know not all of us have blogs and don't really have the time to maintain something as I do, but I and 'my sister' Tai came up with an idea. Diva Spotlights on my blog. And what would be needed is that you take a picture of yourself (past, present, or whenever) and send it to me with the following information:
Where you bought the pieces (each piece include accessories if possible)
And how that particular outfit makes you feel
Also... what name you want to be represented by on the post

You could also do the same for a makeup spotlight post... which you will need to tell me what products you used on each section of your face. Be VERY specific.

I hope some of you will participate... I think that we all have those occasional outfits that we really like and want to share... and have no one to share them with. Well, I am giving you the medium to do that in.
Remember my blog is here... and it is not necessary your style be like mine... it can be your style... as long as it makes you happy... that is all that is important.

Let me know if you're interested. I am hoping to hear from you. Send any emails to yramirez.diva@gmail.com

~besitos~

OOTD: Again with the Teal & Brown

Okay this outfit I already have done something similiar here. But I today I did it with much more comfortable pants. And with a longer shirt. I am not calling it a Diva of the Day (DOTD) because my hair is having some kind of wierd Donald Trump comb-over look. Its awful... and I fixed it at work... but I didn't update the pictures. Yesterday I was pretty darn sick (food poisoning)... missed an interview (thank God he saw me today)and I generally just had a bad day...

So today... althought I'm still weak and tired and not 100%, I feel better. I went to my interview (albeit not in my normal interview clothing) and think it went well. So all in all, I may still work here... just not in this department. Pray for me!!!

Do you think my outfit messed up my chances for this job (keep in mind I had a pair of closed toe shoes in my truck i switched into)?

Outfit Breakdown:
Tank: Wal-Mart
Button-down top: Curve Appeal Consignments
Pants: New York and Company
Shoes: Kate Preston (Off Broadway Shoes)
Necklace: Gifted
Bracelets: Torrid
Earrings: Beauty Supply Store

P.S. How much are you LOVING my makeup... I definately am!!!!

~besitos~

DOTD: Green Eyed Monster

So I think that today's title is perfect, because I am currently being HATED on. So... that green eyed monster fits... because the jealousy in this office is running rampant. I have never done anything to anyone to deserve being treated like this. I still can't go into complete details... but it hurts... when someone you trusted as a mentor stabs you in the back like this... it fucking hurts (excuse my urban... cause it's not French).

It also fits because this morning... when I couldn't bear to look at the ugly drab gray and black outfit in the mirror... I knew I needed a kick of color. I wanted to be kick ass today and I needed my color to be equally strong. Pink, purple, nor teal seemed to fit. So I grabbed my green tank and immediately envisioned the matching eye shadow. The accessories were an afterthought but I think it all works. I am really proud of this outfit for two reasons. I took a risk matching 3 colors (which I rarely do) and I am still showing up looking professional, regardless if I am not being treated professionally. What do my divas think?

Btw... I really appreciate all the support I get here... If not for this blog... and my writing in general... I don't know where I would be...

Outfit Breakdown
Skirt: Torrid
Tank: Wal-mart
Sweater: Faith21
Stilettos: Michael Shannon (Off Broadway Shoes)
Earrings: Target
Necklace: Vibrant Artwear
Ring: Torrid
Bracelet: Dots

Eye shadows: MAC & NYC

Check me out on the Skorch Blog (Click Here)

~besitos~